Ladybower Reservoir is situated in the Upper Derwent Valley at
the heart of the Peak National Park, in an area often referred
to as the “Lake District of the Peak”. It is surrounded by
magnificent countryside where water and woodland, topped by high
moors, predominate.
In recent years forestry has become an important factor and the
sides of the valley have been clothed in conifers.
Not surprisingly, the area has become so popular that over two
million people visit each year.

The outstanding beauty of the area acts as a magnate for
walkers, cyclists, fell-runners and those people who just come
to relax and enjoy the countryside. At certain times the road
beyond Fairholmes is closed to help protect the environment and
a mini-bus service is operated. Disabled Badge holders are
exempt. The Upper Derwent Information Centre is based at
Fairholmes, where bikes can be hired and information about the
area obtained. There are also large car parks, toilets and
plenty of room for picnics.

The valley was a very attractive location for the storage of
water, with its long deep valley and narrow points for dam
building. This combined with a high average rainfall, low
population level and heavy demand for water from the industrial
towns that surrounded the Peak District, made the case for
reservoir construction. The Derwent Valley Water Board was set
up in 1899 to supply water to Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield and
Leicester and the Howden and Derwent Reservoirs were constructed
shortly afterwards.

At that time the demand for water was satisfied and although
plans existed for further reservoirs, no further action was
taken. But demand continued to grow and the decision was taken
to build one very large reservoir, to be called Ladybower. This
though entailed the flooding of the villages of Ashopton and
Derwent and caused considerable unrest. However, the project
went ahead and the villagers were moved to houses built
specially for them at Yorkshire Bridge.

The packhorse bridge
that stood near to the gates of Derwent Hall, which had a
Preservation Order on it, was moved stone by stone and rebuilt
at Slippery Stones at the head of the Howden Reservoir. All the
graves in the churchyard were excavated and the bodies reburied
in nearby Bamford churchyard. A few properties built on slightly
higher land, including the Shooting Lodge and former Roman
Catholic School, survived. But the majority were demolished and
flooded, leaving the church spire eerily poking out above the
waters. The flooding was completed in 1945, and the
opening ceremony was carried out on Tuesday September 25th 1945
by King George VI. Two years later the church spire was blown
up.

The tiny village of Yorkshire Bridge, which lies in the shadow
of the dam wall of the Ladybower Reservoir, with its neat,
regimented rows of houses was used to house those rendered
homeless by the flooding of the valley. One person though
refused to move, Miss A Cotterill of Gwinnett House. She
remained there until she died in 1990, at the age of 99, the
waters of the reservoir lapping at the front garden steps.

Perhaps the best known inhabitant to have lived at Yorkshire
Bridge was a sheepdog named Tip. Her master, Tagg, was a
well-known local sheep farmer who helped found Hope Valley
Sheepdog Trials, and during his later years lived at Yorkshire
Bridge.

On the 12 December 1953, Tagg, aged 85, went out for the last
time with his faithful border collie, Tip, and vanished
completely. Despite an exhaustive search neither he, nor his dog
could be found. It was not until 15 weeks later that Tagg’s
remains were discovered by chance, with the faithful Tip now
completely exhausted lying about five yards away. Somehow, Tip
had managed to survive heavy snow, biting winds and freezing
temperatures on one of the most hostile stretches of moorland in
the country.

Tip was carried back to the rescuer’s lorry and later
transferred to a caring home, where she was carefully nursed
back to health. Once the story became known, Tip became famous
not only in this country, but abroad as well. A year later, in
May 1955 she died. However, the hearts of those that had heard
the story were so greatly touched, that a memorial was erected
at the western end of Derwent Dam, in memory of Tip.

The Derwent Dams were used during the Second World War to
perfect the ‘bouncing bombs’ technique which in 1943, breached
the Ruhr Valley Dams, in the heartland of industrial Germany. A
plaque and memorial museum in the west tower of Derwent Dam
retells the story of the Dambusters. The museum is open most
Sundays and Bank Holidays throughout the year.

No
recommendation of any establishment is implied by inclusion on
this website.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE LOCALITY

The Upper Derwent Visitor Centre
(Tel. 01433 650953) located at Fairholmes, close to the
Derwent Dam. Fascinating facts can be found about the area
through the interactive displays. Maps, books, postcards,
souvenirs, drinks and light refreshments are also available.
Picnic tables are provided outside. For opening details please ring or visit
website.

Dams and Dambusters Museum (Tel.
01433 650953)
this interesting display is open in the West Tower of
Derwent Dam, most Sundays and Bank Holidays throughout the
year.

Ladybower Inn
(Tel.01433 651241)situated on the A57 overlooking
the reservoir,the inn was re-sited more than 100
years ago having originally been located further up
Ladybower Brook. Open all day. Meals served daily.

The Upper Derwent Visitor Centre Picnic Site
(Tel. 01433 650953) a refreshment kiosk is available at the
Visitor Centre, in what is a picturesque spot despite its
close proximity to the car park. Picnic tables and benches
are available. Open at same time as Visitor Centre.

THE DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE AND
THE PEAK DISTRICT GUIDE

Provides a
wide range of features with heritage trails and
detailed countryside walks, through some of the most scenically
attractive countryside in the UK.